Miss India is the new Miss Universe!

Miss India is the new Miss Universe 2021!

Of the 80 beautiful candidates vying for the 70th Miss Universe crown, Harnaaz Sandhu of India emerged the new queen at the pageant's final night in Eilat, Israel, Monday morning (Philippine time).

Miss Paraguay won 1st runner-up while Miss South Africa placed as the 2nd runner-up.

During the final question, all the finalists were asked for advice they would give to young women on how to deal with the pressures they are facing today.

Miss India's winning answer was:

Well I think the biggest pressure the youth of today is facing is to believe in themselves to know that you are unique and that’s what makes you beautiful. Stop comparing yourselves with others and let’s talk about more important things happening worldwide. Come out and speak for yourself because you are the leader of your life. You are the voice of your own. I believed in myself and that’s why I’m standing here today.

Miss Universe Philippines Beatrice Luigi Gomez settled for a Top 5 finish after wowing audiences all throughout the evening and emerging a crowd favorite.

In the Top 16, Luigi explained her armband tattoo to symbolize rebirth and new beginnings.

At the Top 10, the Cebuana beauty queen described her mom as her ultimate role model for women empowerment. She also shared why she decided to join the Philippine Navy Reserve Force at the height of the pandemic.

In the Top 5, Luigi competed in the evening gown, walking strong and proud in shimmering gold ensemble by Francis Libiran.

Luigi, who hails from Cebu City, already made history in September after becoming the first openly out member of the LGBTQIA+ community to win the Miss Universe Philippines crown. 

Well done on your performance, Luigi! And congratulations to India for a well-deserved win! — LA, GMA News